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Braves designated hitter Brian McCann, right, is greeted by teammate Dan Uggla, left, after hitting a solo home against the Blue Jays during the sixth inning on Tuesday in Toronto. McCann hit two home runs, including a solo shot in the 10th inning that lifted the Braves over the Blue Jays 7-6 on Tuesday. (Nathan Denette/AP)

McCann's 2 HRs, shot in 10th gets Braves over Jays

TORONTO — For Atlanta manager Fredi Gonzalez, there’s a lot to like about filling out the lineup card in American League ballparks.

Brian McCann hit two home runs, including a solo shot in the 10th inning that lifted the Braves over the Toronto Blue Jays 7-6 on Tuesday.

Freddie Freeman had three hits in the cleanup spot, rookie catcher Evan Gattis homered in the fifth spot and McCann, who started at designated hitter, went deep twice batting in the sixth spot.

“That’s a pretty big three right there,” Gonzalez said. “Too bad we’re not in the American League. We’ve got to go back and play National League. But it’s nice to have those three guys in the lineup all at one time.”

McCann and Gattis hit back-to-back homers off Ramon Ortiz in the sixth, giving the Braves a 6-5 lead. It was the fifth time this season Atlanta has hit consecutive home runs.

“It’s the way we’re built,” McCann said. “We hit a lot of home runs and we’re going to strike out. But you put up seven runs, there’s nothing bad about that at all.”

Gonzalez has struggled to get regular at bats for Gattis, who’s tied for third in the NL home run standings.

“We’ve got a good American League lineup, we’ve got a lot of power guys,” Gattis said.

McCann connected for a leadoff drive in the 10th against Thad Weber (0-1), his sixth home run. It was McCann’s first multihomer game of the season and the ninth of his career. He and Gattis have given the Braves an unexpected pair of sluggers behind the plate.

“It’s a special thing we’ve got going,” said reliever Cory Gearrin.

Braves starter Paul Maholm agreed.

“Gatt’s making a name for himself,” Maholm said. “He’s done some damage. It’s fun to watch.”

Jordan Schafer also homered for the Braves.

Gearrin (2-1) pitched one inning for the win and Craig Kimbrel celebrated his 25th birthday by finishing for his 16th save in 19 chances.

Toronto closer Casey Janssen, who had shoulder surgery last November, was unavailable. Janssen, who last pitched May 22 against Tampa Bay, said his shoulder was “a little tender.”

Blue Jays starter Brandon Morrow left after two innings with soreness in his forearm. He did not pitch between May 5 and May 18 because of neck and back soreness and of his 47 pitches against the Braves, only three were above 90 mph.

“We don’t think it’s much of an issue and the doctors don’t think it’s much of an issue,” Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said. “We took him out as a precaution.”

Morrow said he first felt sore in his last start, May 23 against Baltimore, but hoped it wouldn’t bother him against the Braves.

Atlanta scored three times in the first, taking advantage of some sloppy defensive play by the Blue Jays. Freeman opened the scoring with an RBI single and a second run scored on Jose Bautista’s throwing error from right field. One out later, Freeman scored on a throwing error by first baseman Edwin Encarnacion.

Toronto answered with four in the bottom half against Maholm. Encarnacion hit an RBI double, Mark DeRosa’s double scored two runs and Colby Rasmus singled home a run.

“The first inning wasn’t too great on either side,” McCann said.

Atlanta tied it again in the second on a two-out homer by Schafer.

Bautista made it 5-4 in the fourth by hitting a 62 mph slow curve from Maholm over the left-field bullpen for his 12th home run.

Maholm allowed five runs and matched a season-high with 10 hits in six innings.

Gattis led off the sixth with his 12th homer and second in two days, tying it at 5. McCann followed with a drive to right to put the Braves ahead.

Toronto tied it again against Anthony Varvaro in the seventh. Bautista led off with a double and scored on a one-out double by J.P. Arencibia. Luis Avilan came on after DeRosa walked, and Arencibia was doubled off second on Rasmus’ flare to shortstop, ending the threat.

Atlanta used a walk, a single and a wild pitch to put runners at second and third for Gattis in the ninth, but he struck out against Steve Delabar.

Notes: Following the game, Toronto optioned Weber to Triple-A Buffalo and designated Ortiz for assignment. The Blue Jays will make corresponding moves to add two pitchers on Wednesday.... Blue Jays 3B Brett Lawrie, who left Monday’s game with a sprained left ankle, was held out of the lineup, with DeRosa starting. Gibbons said Lawrie’s ankle was still stiff and swollen. Lawrie is day to day. ... Braves OFs B.J. Upton and Justin Upton were both held out of the starting lineup. ...The Braves and Blue Jays begin a two-game series in Atlanta tonight. Toronto’s Esmil Rogers (1-2) faces Kris Medlen (1-5) in the opener.